Honor,Trust,Integrity: Foundation of professionalism

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col Gerald Kirchner
  • 5th Flying Training Squadron
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  In my office I have a small frame with three words prominently displayed - Honor, Trust, Integrity. By themselves they are simple words, but to me they define my profession.
Why do I choose this as an Airscoop article? It appears that the need to discuss this belief has again surfaced. Once more, an article in Air Force Times describes the downfall of another general officer who blatantly violated the trust and responsibility inherent to leadership and was forced to retire in disgrace. Somehow, somewhere the foundation of professionalism crumbled and so did a very promising opportunity to continue to serve this country.
Webster's dictionary defines honor as "a person of superior standing; one whose worth brings respect or fame." Trust is defined as "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone." Finally integrity is the "firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values; incorruptibility."
From the day we all entered basic training, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Officer Training School or the Academy, we have been indoctrinated into this profession and these truths. They are as valid today as they were the day we swore to protect and defend the Constitution of our country.
If honor, trust and integrity define our profession, then leaders and commanders must ensure these character traits never fade. A true leader does this on a daily basis in very simple ways. They treat everyone with respect. Everyone has value. Everyone is mission essential. And everyone is an individual that wants to be led. In his book "Common Sense Leadership" Roger Fulton discusses things a leader must do. He doesn't lay down earth-shattering ideology; rather he is much more subtle. He indicated a leader needs to be a "little more innovative, a little more creative and spend a little extra effort." He also goes on to say that while leaders strive to be the best, they must not be afraid of failure. They must inspire their units to succeed, but take responsibility for failure. And finally, they must never be arrogant. A leader must never "get caught up in the power and prestige of the position. Nothing is beneath a true leader."
Over the past 22 years that I have served this country, many books on leadership and professionalism have been published. In my opinion a few stand out. "A Few Great Captains" by Dewitt Copp; "Officers in Flight Suits" by John Darrel Sherwood and finally "My American Journey" by Colin Powell. In these works an undercurrent of officership and professionalism is inherently present but not overpowering. Professionalism is a way of life - it is never something to be compromised. One of the best definitions I have ever heard for professionalism is "doing the right thing when no one is looking." We would all do well to remember this and the corollary of "there is never a wrong time to do the right thing."
As we continue to move forward with technology, innovation and exploration we must always remember the foundation from which we all came: honor, trust and integrity. Three truths that must never be forgotten.
Perhaps we all need a small frame on our desks reminding us daily of our profession. Honor, Trust and Integrity are three things that can never be taken from you, they can only be given away.